NFTs

Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) are unique digital assets verified using blockchain technology, primarily on platforms like Ethereum. Unlike cryptocurrencies, NFTs are indivisible and cannot be exchanged on a one-to-one basis, ensuring each NFT is distinct and irreplaceable, much like a physical collectible. They have gained prominence in digital art, music, gaming, and other online communities for enabling proof of ownership and authenticity of digital creations. NFTs can represent anything from artwork and music to videos and tweets.


Markets

Volatility Ruled Crypto Markets in 2021, From $69K Bitcoin to Elon Musk’s ‘Dogecoin to the Moooonn’

NFTs exploded, Coinbase stock went public, El Salvador bought the dip and China cracked down on bitcoin miners, while Solana’s SOL tokens and Polygon’s MATIC shot up by multiples of 90 or more. Here’s how crypto traders played it.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk (Getty Images, modified by CoinDesk)

Policy

SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce Says Washington Doesn’t Need a New Crypto Regulator

Known affectionately as “Crypto Mom” for her support of the industry, Peirce also warned on CoinDesk TV that the SEC might soon turn its eye towards NFTs.

Hester Peirce, commissioner of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), center, listens during a House Financial Services Committee hearing in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2019. The head of the SEC said this month his agency and other regulators are keeping taps on emerging risks in the fast-growing corporate debt market, highlighting assets that could he susceptible to liquidity shocks. Photographer: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Opinion

21 Predictions for Crypto and Beyond in 2022

What comes after crypto’s biggest year ever?

Putting the "woo" in 2022. (Rob Kim/Getty Images)

Finance

Justin Kan’s Gaming NFT Platform Goes Live, Rebounding From $150K Discord Exploit

The Solana-based marketplace officially launched Thursday after Kan himself made phishing victims whole.

(Danilo Batista/Unsplash)

Markets

NFT Project Bored Ape Yacht Club Spawns ‘Left-Facing’ Copycats

The parody projects expose the absurdity of NFT communities and intellectual property concerns surrounding digital images.

(Yuga Labs, modified by CoinDesk)

Finance

Gamers Rally Behind ‘More Than Gamers’ NFT Project and Its Metaverse Roadmap

After selling out its 10,000-item NFT collection, the project – helmed by esports founder Aaron Kirshenberg – has received backing from metaverse investor QGlobe.

More Than Gamers announced a partnership with sportswear brand Champion. (More Than Gamers)

Markets

Thetan Arena Battles Axie Infinity in ‘Play-to-Earn’

The games are completely different, but Thetan Arena is joining Axie Infinity in the hunt for crypto-friendly players when there are still scant offerings in the “play-to-earn” space.

Image pulled from Thetan Arena's website. (Thetan Arena, modified by CoinDesk)

Markets

Market Wrap Year-End Review: Altcoins, NFTs Filled Void When Bitcoin Got Boring

In mid-2021, crypto traders turned their attention to “Ethereum killers” and ridiculous-seeming NFTs that fetched hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Artist's rendition of a Bored Ape NFT. (Adam Levine/CoinDesk)

Finance

OpenDAO’s SOS Token Hits $250M Market Cap Despite Unclear Goals, Security Risks

Airdrops can kickstart a community, but that doesn’t mean they have staying power.

(Kamil Pietrzak/Unsplash)